FAIR-WEATHER FAITH IN GOD (1)
OCTOBER 8, 2025
TEXT:
2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. (Exodus 16:2–3)
The life of Israel in their journey through the wilderness is a very intriguing one indeed. God wrought mighty works by delivering them from the hands of the mighty Egyptians who oppressed them for nearly four (4) centuries. He rained down plagues upon plagues on them to induce them to release the Israelites. Unfortunately, the Egyptians remained strong-headed and recalcitrant. God had to force His people out of their brutal grasp, using His servants, Moses and Aaron.
To cross through the Red Sea, God had to miraculously part the waters for them and also led them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. With all these mighty deeds, one would expect the Israelites to trust in the everlasting supremacy and sovereignty of God Almighty. Unfortunately, they proved themselves to be “fair-weather” people who only cherished God when He provided for them or met their numerous needs. At the slightest provocation or lack, they were always quick to turn their backs against God, forgetting His previous wonderful deeds and goodness in their lives.
KEY FACTS
- Complaining is an attribute of a faithless believer.
The Israelites never, at any point, stopped to pray unto God Almighty concerning their various needs. Rather, they simply began to grumble bitterly against God’s ordained servants. Knowing the role that God played in orchestrating their departure from Egypt, it was only natural to expect that they would turn to that same God for help. Unfortunately, they didn’t. - Complaining may sometimes be an act of ingratitude.
When people are fond of complaining, they are most likely people who will not acknowledge the past good deeds that have been shown to them. In their period of lack, they quickly started eulogizing the food of the “enemy” just because the “Saviour” was not forthcoming at the time they expected Him to. (Exodus 16:3)
When some people encounter difficulties, they start fantasizing about their old lives of bondage, claiming that it was better than their present. Many have forgotten that life is not a bed of roses. It is a pattern that can change at any time. Meanwhile, God has not forgotten anyone. Though things may tarry contrary to our expectations, we must learn how to tarry with God until He answers us fully.
SEARCHLIGHT: Don’t be overwhelmed by temporary hardship such that you doubt the presence of God in your life.
PRAYER: My God, may I not murmur against You to the point of losing out on Your divine plans for me, in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Ezekiel 22–24, Luke 10
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
